AT&T: I would like to inform you that its the high speed equipment fee charged in every customer account as per the new price changes.

Me: Can I expect to be upgraded to the latest hardware?

Me: If I buy my own hardware, will AT&T remove this charge from my bill?

Me: Also, how long have I been a U-Verse customer?

AT&T: As you are a valuable customer to us. Please do not worry about the charges. Let me go ahead and adjust the charges for you.

AT&T: Its been almost four years.

AT&T: please bear with me while I adjust the charge in your account.

Me: Sure. 🙂

Me: I just looked it up and I can buy a used 3800HGV-B router on Amazon for $26. AT&T wishes to charge me $24/per year to rent one. Had this policy been in place for the past 4 years, I could have bought almost four of them. Does that sound like a fair deal for AT&T customers?

AT&T: I really apologize for this.

Me: It’s not your fault. 🙂

Me: It is Randal Stephenson’s fault. 🙂 I’d like to pass along a message to him that while I thank him for allowing my bill to be adjusted, I think it’s a crummy way to treat customers – especially the ones who don’t know enough to contact the company and refuse the new charges. 🙂

AT&T: I would like to provide you the number of our customer relation center. So, that they can provide you with the best offers available to lower your bill.The number is 877-999-1083.